MATHISTON — When a 2-year-old proudly shows you the sticks she’s found today, chances are you’re dealing with a youngster who loves the outdoors. And in this case, so does the rest of the family.
“We chose this area because I knew I wanted to go to a small town,” Dr. Craig Moffett explained.
When he met Dr. Sue Simmons about seven years ago and she showed him around, he knew Webster County had what he wanted.
“The good school system, friendly people, beautiful countryside and the location, halfway between our families in Tupelo and Jackson, made it perfect for us,” he explained. “We love living here and hope that more people discover how great an area it is.”
Moffett, a native of Itawamba County, started work with Simmons at North Mississippi Health Services just as COVID appeared on the scene. He’s helped the community through that crisis and continues to see patients of all ages.
In addition to general practice at the Maben Medical Clinic, he’s an ER physician, works with North Mississippi Medical Center, and is part of the Webster County Sheriff’s Department’s Special Response Team. But his favorite roles are probably husband and dad.
After a day at the clinic, Craig and his wife, Courtney, love spending time outdoors with their three children, in their country cabin. Their 50-acre homestead in the Mathiston area near Holland Crossing is alive with wildlife, mixed with the giggles of their three children, Emmett, 3; Brennan, 2; and Killian, 6 months. Construction on their lakeside home will be complete later this spring.
Moffett, 33, earned his medical degree from William Carey College. He met Courtney, 31, when they both attended undergrad school at Ole Miss. Even with that background, they agree that they are already feeling maroon in their blood.
Robin Mixon, administrator at NMMC-Eupora says Moffett has been a tremendous blessing for patients and the community.
“His compassion and commitment are evident by his service and eagerness to make a positive impact,” she said.
While Moffett is busy becoming acquainted with his new patients, Courtney, a former English teacher originally from the Jackson area, is a full-time homemaker and involved in the children’s education.
She is active in the PTA at First United Methodist Church Day School in Starkville, where the girls are enrolled. The oldest, Emmett, has started ballet class and both girls do gymnastics in Mantee. Their children will attend East Webster schools when they reach school age.
“I’d always assumed I’d move back to Jackson,” Courtney said, “since most of my family still lives there. But once Craig got into medical school, I realized we would probably be moving around for schooling and jobs.
“I love living in the country more than I ever anticipated. We’re close enough to Starkville that I don’t feel too far out, and we are very fortunate to have so much space for us and kids to roam around and play,” she added. “We’ve very much looking forward to having the house finished and making Webster County our home.”
Courtney and Craig both enjoy the country atmosphere – the wildlife, the ducks, fishing and all that goes with “country living.”
